AGP Executive Report

Honolulu City Hall Shake-Up: A judge ruled Council Chair Tommy Waters ineligible for a third term, leaving East Honolulu District 4 voters facing confusion as ballots are already circulating and the city clerk awaits the written order. Local Governance & Public Safety: Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar and Mayor Rick Blangiardi outlined priorities on Spotlight Now, including HPD staffing and morale, hiring reforms, and public safety initiatives. Maui Justice Updates: Maui Police made three additional arrests tied to a July 17 Lahaina pool-area assault and riot, with detectives still assessing whether bias or gang activity played a role. State Land & Environment: DLNR selected Alan B. Carpenter to lead the Division of State Parks, overseeing 55 parks and major cultural and natural resources. Hawaiʻi Policy Watch: The state approved expanding the coconut rhinoceros beetle-infested area on Hawaiʻi Island, triggering new compliance requirements starting July 29. Defense & Readiness: RIMPAC near Hawaiʻi highlighted expanding coast-guard roles and the U.S. military’s push toward drone-boat tactics. Cyber & Consumer Protection: Hawaiʻi AGs joined a push for stronger FCC “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls.

Military & Indo-Pacific Readiness: U.S. Army Pacific planners at Fort Shafter coordinated “Operation Pathways” for future Indo-Pacific operations, syncing dozens of bilateral and multilateral exercises across 25 countries. RIMPAC & Maritime Tech: The Navy used kamikaze drone boats during RIMPAC SINKEX to sink the decommissioned USS Peleliu, underscoring how unmanned systems are reshaping naval drills. Hawaiʻi Public Health & Services: UH Mānoa expanded efforts to address Hawaiʻi’s autism diagnosis and services shortage by appointing clinical psychologist Meghan Miller to lead the Center on Disability Studies. Local Governance: Maui County advanced a plan to rezone about 2,056 apartment-district transient vacation rentals into new hotel districts, a move OHA and one council member opposed. Election Administration: Hawaiʻi opened voter service centers for the primary, with early in-person voting set for Aug. 3. Statewide Safety/Community: Hawaiʻi County held a Science Night at Keaʻau Armory, partnering with Starbase Hawaiʻi and local astronomy and STEM groups. Consumer Pressure: Gas prices in the U.S. ticked up amid Middle East oil-supply worries tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict.

Hawaiʻi Elections: Voter service centers across the state opened July 27 and run through Aug. 8, offering in-person registration and accessible voting, with pop-up sites Aug. 3–7; officials urge voters to go early to avoid lines. Local Governance: A judge ruled Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters ineligible to run again, saying he already won the last two consecutive terms—raising questions about how the race will be handled. State Politics: Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, on unpaid leave since April, turned herself in after a grand jury indictment tied to alleged bribery and COVID testing/campaign finance violations, with debate over how she surrendered. Housing & Justice: DHHL is facing another lawsuit over evictions tied to blood quantum requirements in an East Kauaʻi project, with tenants alleging they’re being removed solely for ancestry eligibility. Public Safety & Jobs: The Hawaii Career Expo returns July 29 at the Blaisdell Center with 100+ employers, including City departments, and free admission. Environment: Surfrider Foundation reports heavy cigarette-butt litter in Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi cleanups, renewing pressure for better waste prevention.

Hawai‘i Corruption Watch: Gov. Josh Green is calling for Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke to resign after a grand jury indicted her on bribery-related charges tied to a COVID-19 testing contract; Luke denies wrongdoing and says she’ll fight the case. Local Courts & Housing: An 83-year-old Honolulu widow reached a settlement after the city slapped her with nearly $600,000 in fines over an online rental listing glitch that allegedly turned her long-term rental into an illegal short-term listing. Federal Funding Fight: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson joined a coalition suing FEMA and DHS over threats to withhold counterterrorism and disaster grants unless states accept Trump election and immigration conditions. Indo-Pacific Security: The Navy deployed a carrier strike group to the South China Sea amid tensions involving the Philippines and China. Military Readiness (JBPHH): JBPHH Harbor Patrol Unit earned perfect scores in repeated assessments while protecting Pearl Harbor waterways. Hawai‘i Politics (Elections): Candidate John Choi (Dem) outlined a campaign focus on ending pay-to-play politics for lieutenant governor. Honolulu Council Race: Tara Malia Gregory filed for Honolulu City Council District IV, pitching her business and community leadership background. Public Safety/Travel: A California solo sailor, Kai Sato, was rescued alive after nearly a month stranded at sea off Hawaii.

Hawaiʻi Elections: Voter Service Centers open July 27–Aug. 8 for in-person registration and accessible voting, with polls closing at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 (mail ballots must be received by then). Hawaiʻi Corruption: Oʻahu grand jury indicts Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others on bribery and related charges tied to an alleged COVID-19 testing “pay-to-play” scheme; Gov. Josh Green urges Luke to resign. Local Law & Community Safety: Maui police investigate a reported racially motivated assault at Kāʻanapali Aliʻi Resort where a California family says attackers targeted them with “haole boys” slurs; hate-crime classification is sought. U.S. Politics & Governance: A week of national fallout includes renewed scrutiny of airline consolidation talks and major policy fights, while Americans face the biggest grocery price jump in decades. Regional Security: Australia’s top joint operations chief visited Honolulu to discuss Indo-Pacific security and disaster preparedness ahead of RIMPAC. Aviation & Travel: United and Delta explored a merger last year but talks ended after preliminary due diligence. Food Prices: AP reports grocery prices in major U.S. cities are up 33% since early 2019, driven by supply shocks, climate impacts, tariffs, and oil-market stress.

Corruption Case in the Spotlight: Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke was indicted by an Oahu grand jury on charges including criminal conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, and falsifying candidate committee reports tied to alleged COVID-19 testing “pay-to-play” from 2022; Gov. Josh Green called for Luke’s formal resignation as the case names four others, including a lobbyist tied to the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii contract. Local Elections: Five newcomers are vying for Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee’s Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū seat, with a forum highlighting candidates’ different approaches to housing and community priorities. Military & Security: The Navy is moving forward with continued low-frequency sonar training and testing in the Pacific, including waters near Hawaiʻi, while RIMPAC SINKEX operations sank two retired Navy ships farther than 50 nautical miles from Kauaʻi. Hawaiʻi Tourism: The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority opened registration for its 2026 Tourism Conference (Sept. 24-25) focused on “Guardians of the Light.” Public Safety & Environment: Molokaʻi officials urged people to stay out of south-shore waters after a humpback whale carcass washed ashore, with tissue samples being analyzed.

Second Amendment Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court’s “historical tradition” test is shaping Hawaii gun law outcomes, including a June ruling striking down parts of Hawaii’s concealed-carry restrictions. Hawaii Courts & Corruption: Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others were indicted in a political bribery case tied to alleged COVID-19 testing contract payments; legal experts expect a slow, multi-year process with bail, arraignment, discovery, and possible extradition delays. Military in Hawai‘i: RIMPAC shifted to land-assault training at Bellows, while U.S. and partner forces sank two decommissioned Navy ships in SINKEX. Hawai‘i Environment & Public Safety: DLNR warned people to stay out of Moloka‘i’s south-shore waters near a humpback whale carcass due to health risks and predator attraction. Tourism Industry: Hawai‘i Tourism Authority opened registration for its 2026 Hawai‘i Tourism Conference (Sept. 24-25). Weather: Hurricane Fausto remains Category 2 and is expected to keep the biggest risk offshore, but dangerous surf may begin swelling into the islands soon.

RIMPAC & Pacific Security: U.S. and partner forces sank two decommissioned Navy ships—USS Peleliu and USS Mobile Bay—in SINKEX drills far off Kauaʻi, using missiles and one-way attack drones as part of the multinational exercise. Hurricane Watch: Hurricane Fausto remains a Category 2 storm moving west, with NWS saying confidence in the track is rising but impacts are still uncertain; dangerous surf is expected to start swelling into Hawaiʻi by July 26. Navy Training in Hawaiʻi Waters: The Navy will continue low-frequency sonar training and testing in the Western/Central North Pacific, including near Hawaiʻi, with unchanged buffers and added protections for offshore biologically important areas. Hawaiʻi Politics—Corruption Case: Oʻahu grand jury indicts Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others in an alleged bribery conspiracy tied to a 2022 COVID-19 testing contract; Gov. Josh Green calls for Luke’s resignation. Immigration Enforcement on Maui: Reports of ICE sightings and detentions surged on Maui amid a nationwide enforcement push, as Hawaiʻi prepares to sign new bills limiting state/county cooperation. Local Governance/Transit: HART advanced a $53M change order for Skyline’s core systems contractor tied to schedule delays and scope changes for Segment 3. Environment & Public Safety: Molokaʻi residents are urged to stay out of south-shore waters near a whale carcass; state aquatics says tissue samples may help clarify the cause of death. Elections & Voting Integrity: A noncitizen was charged with illegal voting in Hawaiʻi after allegedly being pressured by an uncle to cast a ballot.

Public Corruption: Oʻahu grand jury indicted Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others in a bribery and corruption case tied to the state’s COVID-19 community testing program; Gov. Josh Green immediately called for Luke’s resignation. Local Governance: Hawaii enacted new traffic safety rules raising the minimum age for riding in pickup truck beds to 16, with exemptions for work and emergencies. Immigration & Rights: ACLU of Hawaiʻi and immigrant-rights advocates celebrated new state immigrant justice laws aimed at easing the chilling effects of ICE enforcement on families and local businesses. Environment & Public Health: DLNR urged people to stay out of the water near a whale carcass on Molokaʻi’s south shore due to potential public health risks as tides move remains. Defense & Federal Policy: As U.S. strikes on Iran continued, the Pentagon lowered the war death toll; two soldiers killed included Tyler James Feehan of Ewa Beach, Hawaiʻi. Regional Security: U.S. and South Korea wrapped a tabletop academy at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam focused on integrated air and missile defense. Courts & Health Policy: A federal judge in Virginia ruled FDA restrictions on mifepristone were unlawful, adding to abortion-access legal battles that include Hawaii. Politics Watch: States including Oregon and others sued over FEMA/DHS disaster funding conditions tied to election and immigration requirements.

Congressional Politics: Tri-Caucus leaders and top House Democrats blasted Rep. Nancy Mace’s resolution aimed at ending race- and ethnicity-based caucuses, calling it a racist attempt to silence minority voices. Federal Grants & Voting/Immigration: Hawaii is among states suing the Trump administration over new FEMA/DHS disaster and counterterrorism grant conditions that would require election changes and immigration enforcement, with the fight centered on whether the administration can attach such demands to congressionally approved money. Hawaiʻi Military & Environment: The Navy issued a record of decision for SURTASS LFA sonar training/testing in the Pacific, keeping the same coastal standoff limits while updating marine-mammal science and sonar-hour accounting. RIMPAC Off Kauaʻi: Canada’s HMCS Corner Brook sank the decommissioned USS Mobile Bay off northern Kauaʻi during live-fire drills, with USS Peleliu also sunk nearby as part of the exercise. Local Governance: Hawaiʻi’s new law raises the minimum age for riding in pickup truck beds to 16, reflecting safety concerns after past incidents. Community & Culture: Maui’s inaugural Wailuku Film Festival drew thousands and 100+ films, positioning the island as an emerging global hub for independent cinema. Hurricane Watch: Hurricane Fausto strengthened to Category 2 and is forecast to approach Hawaiʻi next week.

Hawaiʻi Elections & Representation: Veteran Sen. Karl Rhoads is retiring, setting up major shifts for Chinatown, Iwilei and Liliha as House District 28’s Daniel Holt steps down and newer candidates chase priorities like homelessness services, kupuna support, cost of living and faster bus service. State & Federal Legal Fight: Hawaiʻi AG Ford and other attorneys general sued to block Trump administration conditions on FEMA/DHS emergency funds, including demands tied to election voter lists and immigration enforcement. Native Hawaiian Language & Schools: A Kauaʻi school preserving the Niʻihau dialect faces an uncertain future after a rent hike and alleged lease violations trigger a courtroom fight. Military & Indo-Pacific Readiness: RIMPAC 2026 continues off Hawaiʻi with allied live-fire sinking exercises and carrier aviation testing long-range anti-ship strike concepts. Community & Culture: Waikiki Aquarium launched “Adopt-A-Polyp” to rebuild its Edge of the Reef exhibit and support coral conservation. Public Safety Policy: Hawaiʻi raised the minimum age for riding in pickup truck beds to 16, aiming to curb injuries as roads get faster. Local Justice: An Indian national was arrested in Hawaii in an alleged elder gold bar fraud scheme impersonating U.S. Marshals.

War Powers Clash: The House passed a War Powers Resolution to rein in Trump’s Iran war, but the Senate rejected it 47-49 as the conflict continues and the death toll reached 18, including 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan of Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Hawaiʻi Military Loss: Dover dignified transfers honored four service members killed in the Middle East, with local ties spotlighted as families and communities marked the deaths. AG Lawsuit Pushback: New York AG Letitia James and other attorneys general sued to block Trump administration conditions on FEMA and DHS disaster and counterterrorism grants, arguing the rules unlawfully tie public safety funding to election and immigration demands. Hawaiʻi Health Policy Legacy: A new analysis highlights how Hawaiʻi’s 1974 prepaid health care law keeps employer health insurance offers at 97%—a rare state-level fix that reshaped coverage. Local Crime Case: Federal authorities arrested an Indian national in Honolulu in an alleged gold bar fraud scheme targeting an elderly victim. Statehouse/Transportation Reminder: HDOT warned against illegal placement of signs visible from state highways, including political campaign signs. Daylight Saving Fight: A map shows which states are lining up for permanent daylight saving time if Congress acts, while opposition grows in other regions.

Hawaiʻi Law & Courts: Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez and conservation/public health groups filed challenges after the EPA partially rejected the state’s Regional Haze plan tied to Hawaiian Electric power-plant pollution around Haleakalā and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes. Public Safety: Gov. Josh Green signed a law raising the minimum age to ride in truck beds from 12 to 16, aiming to curb injuries as roads get faster. Consumer Protection: State officials warned of a surge in fake vacation rental listings, urging travelers to watch for too-good-to-be-true prices and payment requests via wire, apps, gift cards, or crypto. Health Policy: A new Hawaiʻi medical debt “acquisition and forgiveness” program could erase up to $91 million in debt for as many as 50,000 residents, with eligible people receiving notices rather than applying. Elections & Governance: U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono co-sponsored the Language Access for All Act to restore federal translation and interpretation requirements. Local Politics: In a Spotlight Now interview, Lt. Gov. candidate Della Au Belatti pushed back after Gov. Green criticized her “watchdog” campaign message. Transportation & Economy: Alaska Airlines says it’s doubling cargo capacity with four more 737 freighters, with Hawaiʻi-based aircraft and Hawaiian Air Cargo branding. National/World: The U.S. continued strikes on Iran for a 12th straight night as Trump attended a Dover dignified transfer for four service members, including an Ewa Beach, Hawaiʻi, casualty.

Middle East War Escalation: President Trump renewed threats tied to the Strait of Hormuz, saying the U.S. will bomb and destroy “one bridge or power plant” for each Iranian attack on ships, as Iran warned of an “eye for an eye” response to strikes on infrastructure. Gold Star Returns: Trump attended a Dover Air Force Base dignified transfer for four U.S. service members killed in Iran-linked attacks, including 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, with the Pentagon confirming deaths after strikes on bases in Jordan and Iraq. PFAS Fight: State AGs led by Jeff Jackson and others urged the EPA to rescind a proposed rollback on PFAS (“forever chemicals”) limits in drinking water, arguing it would weaken testing and protections. Hawaii Water Project: Consolidated Water said it received a limited notice to proceed for long-lead equipment for the Kalaeloa seawater desalination project, while also booking a record $10.1 million municipal water treatment equipment order in Florida. Local Governance & Housing: Rep. Ed Case and Guam’s Delegate James Moylan introduced a bipartisan Transit Oriented Development Act aimed at boosting affordable housing near transit corridors. Aloha Spirit in Courts: A federal judge ruled the Trump administration misused grant rules to revoke already-awarded funding, siding with states challenging the practice. Neighbor Island Air Service: Alaska Airlines says Hawaiian Airlines will shift neighbor island flying to Hawaiian-branded 737-800s, replacing the 717 fleet. Justice System: A federal case charges a man with abusive sexual contact on a Hawaii-to-Seattle Delta flight.

Native Hawaiian Convention: Gov. Josh Green and leaders from OHA, DHHL, Papa Ola Lōkahi and Kamehameha Schools opened the 25th convention with a blunt message: federal actions and ongoing lawsuits threaten Native Hawaiian programs, even as DHHL reported awarding 477 Oʻahu leases. U.S.-Iran War & Hawaii ties: The Pentagon identified Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad (NY) as the third service member believed killed in the Jordan base attack, bringing deaths to 18; earlier identifications included 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan of Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Local governance: The Honolulu Charter Commission finalized about 20 ballot questions for Oʻahu’s November election, including ranked-choice voting and a proposed Food Security Fund, while leaving out other notable ideas. Election security debate: In Hawaiʻi’s 1st Congressional District race, Rep. Ed Case and challenger Jarrett Keohokalole spar over the SAVE America Act and whether stricter voter ID and citizenship proof would improve election security. Environment & infrastructure: Red Hill closure work moved forward as the Navy began removing about 10 miles of pipeline tied to the decommissioned facility under EPA and DOH oversight. Courts & public safety: Prosecutors in Washington state said no charges will be filed in the death of WSP Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting.

U.S.-Iran War & Hawaii Service Members: The Pentagon identified 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan (Ewa Beach) and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales (Carrollton, Texas) as two soldiers killed in Jordan during Iranian strikes, with a third death also tied to the conflict as the U.S. weighs further retaliation. Military Transparency: A report says the Pentagon has withheld details on injuries and casualties from Iranian attacks, raising questions about how much the public is told. Hawaii Courts & Elections: Hawaii’s Supreme Court is set against SCOTUS in a due-process dispute, while watchdog groups press for voter-roll access in transparency fights. AI in Politics: Hawaii’s new AI election safeguards are part of a broader national test as deepfake disclosure laws face their first major midterm pressure. State Government: Gov. Josh Green signed Act 255, shifting Hawaii’s captive insurance examinations to a more risk-based schedule. Public Health: DOH issued a red placard for Charley’s Steakery in ʻAiea after a sewage overflow, then authorized reopening after corrections. Housing & Cost of Living: A new measure suggests young Americans—including in high-cost states like Hawaii—own far fewer homes than official rates show. Local Justice: A Maui jury convicted a Lahaina man on 16 counts of child sexual assault.